BC Lions fire head coach and hire new GM in major front-office shakeup
The BC Lions have made significant changes to their management and coaching staff.
The organization fired head coach and co-GM Rick Campbell today after a disappointing 9-9 season that saw the team stumble down the stretch.
“We thank Rick Campbell for playing a major role in bringing our franchise back to respectability and contention while navigating us through some very tough waters upon his arrival. He’s a great coach and a great friend,” said Lions president Duane Vienneau in a press release.
“We thank Rick Campbell for playing a major role in bringing our franchise back to respectability & contention while navigating us through some very tough waters upon his arrival. He’s a great coach & a great friend.”
Thank you, Coach Rick. Wishing you & your family all the best pic.twitter.com/onkIXdKh80
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) November 20, 2024
Campbell had a 40-33 record during his tenure with the Lions.
The team also promoted Neil McEvoy from co-GM to vice president of football operations and Ryan Rigmaiden to general manager.
“We’re proud to have Neil and Ryan in their new roles with the preparation for 2025 already underway,” continued Vienneau. “Our goal remains the same: to be in Grey Cup contention every year.”
These changes were expected, as it was reported last week that the Lions were going to make some moves.
Vancouver hosted the Grey Cup this year and the Lions were hoping to play in front of their home fans. The organization brought in quarterback Nathan Rourke midway through the season and made him the league’s highest-paid player but didn’t get positive results.
A 2-6 stretch midway through the year sunk the team down the standings. Rourke’s arrival also created a quarterback controversy as he usurped Vernon Adams Jr. from the starting spot despite the latter’s stronger on-field performance.
The season eventually ended with a tough loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their first playoff game.
The Lions are expected to solve their quarterback situation by dealing Adams Jr. this offseason.